The park, officially called Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana is located in the valley of the Rio Guadiana, the river that marks the frontier between Spain and Portugal. It covers 600 km ² of narrow riverbanks dotted with ancient tidal mills, steep ravines in Mediterranean vegetation and magnificent landscape views.

In the northern part of the park, just above Mertola, you will find the biggest waterfall in southern Portugal: Pulo do Lobo waterfall (Wolf’s Leap). At this point the ravine is so narrow that it seems that the river can be crossed in one giant leap.

Hiking lovers can roam about to their heart’s content and for bird watchers this park is a true haven. In the steep gorges of the river Guadiana you have ample opportunity to spot the black stork, Bonelli’s eagle, eagle owl, red-rumped swallow, blue rock thrush or rock bunting. A bit further inland look for the great bustard, Montagu’s harrier, lesser kestrel, roller, griffon vulture, black vulture, golden eagle and Spanish imperial eagle.

The area is also famous for its flora, especially its wide variety of plant species threatened with extinction.

• Nature preservation in Portugal